History

 

 

Lincoln Fox, sculptor of The Strength of One, speaks about why he chose this particular form:

"As you might suspect, this project was one of my greatest challenges; how to mold into physical form those most elusive qualities of the spirit. In time, it came to me just what I had to do.

The two men represent the ongoing struggle we face while living and growing in our environment with the stronger reaching out to help a weaker brother. Throughout history The Strength of One has often become the salvation of another. To help identify with this tension, I gave the stronger man the personality and physical attributes of the Biblical Peter, and formed the weaker reminiscent of the young Timothy.

The eagle universally represents the highest aspirations of man--soaring far above physical limitations and opening new possibilities. It depicts great power held in balance and its excellent skill in fishing exemplifies the professional ability of great fishermen.

The bass represents itself, for it was from this delightful creature that sprang multiple industries, improved environment, and a new level of out-door recreation to excite and soothe the soul of man.

Running water reminds us of the relentless passing of time; forcing all of us to count our days and seize our opportunities each and every day.

The name The Strength of One reflects our mutual dependence on one another. For today's weakness is tomorrow's strength."

 

Bass Fishermen of America

Our affiliation with Bass fishermen is unique and very much appreciated.

Pintlala Baptist Church, only a twinkle in the eyes of visionaries in 1960, has by the grace of God been honored by the financial support and generosity of the Bass Fishermen of America. In 1990, a thrilling four-year odyssey began with Bill Schroeder and Ray Scott to escort PBC to a new height of worship and ministry in Pintlala and the entire world.

With the unprecedented cooperation of many dedicated Bass fishermen, fishing industry leaders, and the President of the United States, George Bush, monies were raised to complete a beautiful sanctuary that stands as a powerful testimony to faith in Jesus Christ.

PBC is a grateful and genuinely humble people to have shared in this intense enterprise to glorify our Savior. Thank you, Ray Scott and Bass Fishermen of America.

 

Bethel Cemetery

The Resurrecting of a Cemetery

For many decades the Bethel Cemetery in southwest Montgomery County was itself buried beneath dense layers of undergrowth, shrouded by shrubs and concealed by years of inattention. The thickets and thistles have been removed thanks to volunteers from the Pintlala Baptist Church who have been involved in this restoration project since 1987. In 1998 the church became the owner of this piece of history for purposes of restoration only and is leading the way in uncovering the important symbolism almost lost to a generation which urgently needs reconnecting to its heritage.

As of October, 1999 the Bethel Cemetery, now owned by Pintlala Baptist Church, has been placed on the Alabama Registry of Landmarks and Heritage. A state historical marker is on US Highway 31 at the entrance of the cemetery.

FAQs (Frequently asked questions)

1. Where is the Bethel Cemetery located?
The cemetery is located one mile north of the Pintlala intersection on the east side of Highway 31. Although several feet from the highway, one can easily see two brick columns which garrison the access road to the cemetery. The signage on each column reads: "Bethel Cemetery 1818." See below picture for view of entrance from US 31.

2. Was there a church connected to the cemetery?
Yes. The Bethel Baptist Church was constituted on February 13, 1819 (the same year Alabama acquired statehood). Traveling the Federal Road, many settled in Central Alabama attracted by the lure of land, sometimes called "Alabama Fever." Pintlala was located on the Federal Road which ran from Milledgeville, Georgia to St. Stephens, Alabama, the first capitol of the state.

3. Why was the Bethel Baptist Church important to the religious history of Alabama?
The church had a large attendance until 1837. The Bethel Church was one of four comprising the Alabama Baptist Association which was formed on December 13, 1819. The other three were Antioch, Elim and Rehobeth, all of Montgomery County. In 1837 the church became the focal point of a major split in Baptist life. The issue of missions was the theological point of difference. Church minutes reflect that those who embraced an anti-missions theology voted to exclude "the Missionary Baptist brethren." The conflict between the Primitive and Missionary approach to the gospel was both regional and national in scope.

4. What makes the cemetery so unique?
It is the site of a marker which commemorates a church split. The stone marker reads:

Bethel Baptist Church
February 13, 1819
Organizers: Elder Electius Thompson
James McLemore, Edward Mosley.
Builder George Shackelford.
Split between Primitive and Missionary 1837.
Site marked November 4, 1923.

In addition the stone was placed and unveiled by the Woman's Missionary Union of the
Montgomery Baptist Association on November 4. 1923. The ceremony was simple:
Service for Unveiling Stone
Under auspices of
Women's Missionary Union of
Montgomery Baptist Association
Site of Bethel Baptist Church, near Pintlala, Hope Hull, Alabama
November 4, 1923 at 11:30 a.m.
Miss Olive Rushton, Secretary Treasurer presiding
Devotional: State Convention Secretary Treasurer, D.F. Green
Hymn: "How Firm a Foundation"
Historical sketch: Dr. Frank Shackelford
Unveiling of stone placed by descendants: Mary J. Shackelford, Henry D. Mosley
Benediction

5. Do records of the church and cemetery still exist?
Yes. The Archives and History of the State of Alabama possess the church minutes along with a listing of those buried in the cemetery. Other sources of information are the Pintlala Baptist Church and the Ethel May Todd Alcove at the Pintlala Branch Library.

6. When did the church cease to exist?
The decision in 1837 brought about an inevitable decline in membership. Waning membership characterized the church into the early 1900's. The 1823 frame building fell into disrepair, was eventually dismantled, and removed by Frank Shackelford.

7. Why was the cemetery restored?
For three reasons:
We owe a moral debt to those who have gone before us. Although there are theological differences, those buried in the Bethel Cemetery made up the moral and social fabric during the early settlement of the area. We make bad decisions when history is ignored or forgotten. Spiritual values thrive when passed from one generation to another. Baptist missions and evangelism become well defined in the historical context of the Bethel Church. The descendants of those who are buried in the cemetery are few in number or cannot be found.

8. What was done during the restoration?
Many of the gravestones needed repairing and cleaning. A new fence and gate were required. A new historic marker on Highway 31 has been erected. The access road has been improved. Unsightly objects were removed.

9. How is the cemetery maintained now that the project is complete?
Strong financial support was required to restore the cemetery to an honorable level of dignity. Once that level was achieved, moderate expenditures and volunteer involvement have made it possible to keep up the cemetery.

10. How can I make a financial gift to the restoration project for the Bethel Cemetery?
A tax-deductible gift can be made to the Pintlala Baptist Church, 73 Federal Road, Hope Hull, AL 36043. The gift should be earmarked "Bethel Cemetery Restoration."

11. May I be kept informed about financial accountability and the rate of progress being made?
A database will be established with contact information on contributors and interested persons and reports will be mailed periodically.

12. Can tours of the cemetery be arranged?
Absolutely. Arrangements by calling the PBC church office @ 334-281-9439.

A List of the known Gravestones in Bethel Cemetery:

Killough, Annie E. (Dec. 12, 1825—June 17, 1908)

Killough, Infant son (Aug. 20, 1848)

Killough, Infant daughter (June 25, 1847)

Killough, John J. (March 4, 1821—June 17, 1852)

Lasiter, Elisha (Jan. 7, 1871—June 17, 1902)

Lassiter, Anne K. Anderson (1847—1931)

Lewis, Allen S. (Sept. 16, 1880—Oct. 14, 1882)

Lewis, Benjamin E. (Jan. 12, 1830—Sept. 27, 1900)

Lewis, Edmund (1792—May 24, 1856)

Lewis, Edmund Jasper (March 25, 1834—April 16, 1874)

Lewis, Elizabeth J. Tally (Apr. 26, 1836—May 13, 1923 )

Lewis, G.W. (1840—September 7, 1864)

Lewis, Infant son (Mar. 7, 1878—Mar. 9, 1878)

Lewis, J.F. (Nov. 16, 1851—June 16, 1897)

Lewis, Miriann (1808—Oct. 12, 1865)

Lewis, Theophilus H. (May 16, 1828—October 29, 1852)

Lewis, W.W. (Aug. 10, 1846—Feb. 12, 1895)

Lewis, William Harrison (Dec. 4, 1859—June 10, 1864)

Lewis, William W. (Aug. 4, 1871—Dec 6, 1871 )

Norman, Annie Lewis (Feb. 21, 1866—Jan. 19, 1946)

Norman, Charles H. (April 19, 1857—Oct. 11, 1949)

Norman, Infant

Norman, Irene (May 17, 1876—Nov. 25, 1879)

Norman, Mary Belle (July 2, 1903—May 24, 1904)

Palmer, Mary Ann (1833—1925)

Parmer, Bethiah B. (1827—Nov. 28, 1844)

Parmer, Bethiah B. (March 20, 1850—Oct. 13, 1856)

Parmer, Chapel L. (1814—April 7, 1844)

Parmer, Elisha William (Oct. 29, 1836—September, 1845)

Parmer, Elizabeth I.H. (1845—Sept. 29, 1857)

Parmer, Emily Arinza (1848—June 27, 1849)

Parmer, Mariah (1796—Nov. 6, 1843)

Parmer, Mary C. (1824—August 22, 1845)

Parmer, Oliver W. (Nov 8, 1869—Feb. 17, 1884)

Parmer, Susanna (1832—Oct. 27, 1856)

Parmer, Virginia A. (1852—Aug. 28, 1853)

Parmer, William Worth (Oct. 30, 1848—July 18, 1901)

Poole, Molly Pettis (1857—1940)

Stacey, Mary Elizabeth Porter (Oct. 1, 1841—Sept. 18, 1905)

Stacey, Tho’s R. (Jan. 19, 1830—Aug. 2, 1901)

Stacey, William V. (Oct. 23, 1866—June 23, 1933)

Stewart, Decatur P. (1824—Oct. 8, 1848)

Tarver, Mollie Lassiter (March 16, 1868—June 17, 1951 )

Thompson, J.W. (Nov. 29, 1866—June 25, 1944)

Thompson, Julia Lassiter(Oct. 27, 1867—Jan. 5, 1955)

Urquhart, Claudia Bell Davis (Nov. 6, 1890—Jan. 14, 1924)

Walters, Charley D. (1880—1958)

Walters, Erdine Taylor (Sept. 2, 1872—July 14, 1962)

Walters, Irvine L. (1898—1922)

Walters, Mattie Lee (1844—1936)

Walters, Sam B. (1873—1953)

Walters, William Allen (June 8, 1870—Jan. 3, 1949)

Whittemore, Churchwell (1812—October 15, 1844)

Williams, Issac H. (Sept. 12, 1813—Nov. 6, 1875)

Williett, Isaac (1807—1857)